Comments on: What's the easiest way to compose HTML messages in Outlook 2003?

Question: What's the easiest way to compose HTML messages in Outlook 2003?

willnot — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:37:20 -0800

What's the easiest way to compose HTML messages in Outlook 2003? I know I can go to the format menu and choose between plain text, HTML or Rich Text, but choosing HTML just gives me access to some really lame formatting tools. I'd like to be able to enter/edit source code directly for the body of the message.

By: XQUZYPHYR

XQUZYPHYR — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:10:22 -0800

Are you saying you want to include stuff like Javascript, or stuff like that? If you're saying you just want to use images, links, stuff like that, your best bet is to select "use Word as my message editor" in the tool menu and use the HTML stuff in there.

By: sfluke20

sfluke20 — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:25:00 -0800

My experience from a couple years ago is that you can't easily compose HTML messages in Outlook -- try Outlook Express instead. It allows you to switch into the "Source" view and edit the HTML directly.

By: ascullion

ascullion — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:53:41 -0800

I did find a way around this a while ago, but it's complicated. Basically, I wrote my email as html in notepad, saved it, opened it in word, and then used that to work in Outlook. If you see what I mean.

By: krisjohn

krisjohn — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 18:27:14 -0800

Ugh.

HTML email is evil. Particularly from Outlook. Note that whatever you do, no matter how much time you spend on it, it will not reliably render on anything. Heck, at work we filter HTML email to plain text at the server.

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 18:37:40 -0800

Here's how you do it:

First, compose the HTML file in whatever editor you like.

Next, open a new email message, using HTML formatting. Go to INSERT, then FILE. Select the HTML file you wish to use, then where the button says INSERT, click the DOWN ARROW next to it and select INSERT AS TEXT. That should do the trick.

By: weston

weston — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 21:02:07 -0800

HTML email is evil. Particularly from Outlook. Note that whatever you do, no matter how much time you spend on it, it will not reliably render on anything.

Also note that Outlook itself will probably mangle the HTML somewhat as the email goes out.

By: willnot

willnot — Tue, 11 Jan 2005 09:29:40 -0800

Thanks Civil_Disobedient - that sort of did the trick. At least it's close enough.